Spell Bee 2025, the third edition of the spelling competition organised by The Navhind Times in collaboration with the B.B.A. and Events Management department of S. S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, was held over three days on January 13, 14 and 20. The competition which aimed at cultivating the love for words, literature and vocabulary in children, had high school and higher secondary school students across the state participate enthusiastically and put their spelling skills to the test. Of the nearly 400 odd students who participated in the two categories; namely class VIII and IX and
class XI and XII, only ten made it to the finale which was held on Monday, January 20 at the college campus in Cujira.

After the first round which was held on Monday, January 13 and 14, forty qualified for the semi-finals which saw neck-to-neck competition. Ten of these semi-finalists were shortlisted for the finals, five from each category. The finalists had to go through a gruelling time which had the audience biting their nails and sitting at the edge of their seats! Each finalist fought gallantly to stay in the race and there were ties which made the final round even more exhilarating. Finally 3 winners were declared in each category. The judges for the competition were associate professor and HOD of English, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Nuvem, Dr. Glenis Mendonca and assistant professor English, Shenoi Goenbab School of Languages and Literature, Goa University and certified trainer for Trinity College, Grade and Certificate Examinations, Runa Menezes.

“It was great having a college edition of the SpellBee this year and truly heart-warming to see youngsters who can spell well, in an age where SMS language and spell-check have taken away the thrust ‘to be good at spellings’. The participants were good and I have to admit, I wouldn’t have got many of those words myself,” shared Runa Menezes. “As a host and judge, I had to keep an unbiased and professional ‘straight face’ but here were moments I felt like jumping up in amazement and commending the participant for getting a difficult word correct,” she added.

Winners were awarded certificates, trophies and prizes sponsored by Faber Castell. The chief guest at the valedictory function was academician, philanthropist, entrepreneur, social worker and chairman of RCPR Education Society, Manguirish Pai Raikar. Speaking on the occasion he congratulated all the participants and encouraged the love of reading and learning spellings. Also present on the dais were principal, S S Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat; vice-principal,Sangeeta Chakrabarty and Head-Admin, Navhind Papers and Publications, Gopi Kalwar along with the judges, Glenis Mendonca and Runa Menezes.

In its constant endeavour to give back to society, promote learning and share ideas and knowledge, The Navhind Times is looking forward to the next edition which promises to be bigger and more challenging.

Winners – Junior category
1 st Prize – Kaushik Prabhu, Green Meadows School, Calangute
2 nd Prize – Shaikh Mohammed Zeydaan, St. Anthony’s High School, Veroda
3 rd Prize – Satvik Bhomkar, G S Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa

Winners – Senior category
1 st Prize – Arthur Faleiro, Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School of Science, Margao
2 nd Prize – Raagini Haldar, Loyola Higher Secondary School, Margao
3 rd Prize – Christiano Dias, Loyola Higher Secondary School, Margao